The debate between free speech and religion continued at the state Capitol

Intro:	A civil liberties advocate says people have a right to disturb worship services.
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Wrap: A civil liberties advocate testified to the House crime committee against a bill that would make it a crime to disrupt a house of worship.

It would include any acts that are intentionally and unreasonably disruptive to religious activity.

Jeremy LaFaver with the American Civil Liberties Union says there are constitutional problems with the bill.

Actuality:	LAFAVER.WAV
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Description: "While we certainly understand the intent of this legislation, to protect the right to worship, we also protect the right for free speech, as despicable as sometimes it may be. People don't have the right to be right, but they have the right to be heard."

But Kerry Messer with the Missouri Baptist Convention says it wouldn't interfere with existing First Amendment rights.

This bill already passed through the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges.

Intro:	Religious leaders urged lawmakers to protect the sanctity of worship services.
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Wrap: Religious leaders testified to the House crime committee supporting a bill that would make it a crime to disrupt a house of worship.

Disruptions would include any acts that are both intentional and unreasonable.

Kerry Messer with the Missouri Baptist Convention says it wouldn't interfere with free speech rights.

Actuality:	MESSER.WAV
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Description: "This is not a constitutional expansion. The First Amendment is not altered in any way by the passage of this bill. This gives certain protections to houses of worship in statute."

But a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union says people have a constitutional right to disrupt a service, especially if the person is on public property.

This bill already passed through the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges.

Intro:	Religious leaders pushed for stricter laws to protect the sanctity of worship services.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Religion advocates testified to the House crime committee supporting a bill that would make it a crime to disrupt a house of worship.

Disruptions would include any intentional and unreasonable acts.

Many disruptions involving trespassing are already against the law.

But Kerry Messer with the Missouri Baptist Convention gave an example of people disrupting an outdoor wedding.

Actuality:	MESSER2.WAV
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Description: "If they come and they're within their distance but they set up loudspeakers just to blast obnoxious sounds or music, to deliberately disrupt that, then they would be guilty. And there's no trespass involved."

But a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union says people have a constitutional right to disrupt a service, especially if the person is on public property.

This bill already passed through the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges.